The best video editing software for movie production. (2023)

This guide will help you choose the best video editing software to create amazing movies in less time.

All modern cameras and smartphones can create great looking videos.

However, you have to use video editing apps to turn the images into compelling video content.

I regularly edit videos for YouTube and have tried the best video editing tools out there... and believe me, there are plenty!

Finding the right software can be confusing, so I wrote this guide to help you save time and money.

You'll discover free video editing software as well as cheap video editing software (plus some premium software) and the pros and cons of each.

I'll also talk about the essential video editing tools you need, as well as the advanced features you need to create content like a pro.

Whether you're creating movies for YouTube or just enjoying yourself at home, there's a great video editor for you, like withprogram the photo.

So, let's look at the recommendations in this video editing software comparison.

The best video editing software in 2023

image	Products	Characteristics
	Adobe PremiereProTHE ELECTION NO. 1	language to text Graphic Animation Templates Transcript Editing Tools simultaneous projects	See price →
	Cyberlink PowerDirector 365HIGHLY RECOMMENDED	Fast rendering speeds the screenshot motion tracking Multi-camera editing	See price →
	Wondershare Filmora XBEST DATE	Easy to use attractive interface Reasonable price video tutorials	See price →
	Final Cut Pro de AppleIDEAL FOR PROFESSIONALS (MAC)	fast performance Powerful composition tools Multiple Camera Support customizable	See price →
	Adobe Premiere ElementsBEST FOR BEGINNERS	shareable outputs Easy to use Accessible Adobe Sensei AI	See price →
	davinci resolution	free version suitable for professionals powerful resources well designed interface	See price →
	VideoProc	Fast processing speed the screenshot Compress up to 90% live software	See price →
	Movavi	intuitive interface Motion Tracking Tools Suitable for Mac and PC cost-benefit	See price →
	Corel VideoStudio Ultimate	Good price customizable filters intuitive control Easy to use	See price →
	Apple iMovie	Buch suitable for beginners variety of filters Easy to use	See price →
	clipify	Buch suitable for beginners More than 150 special effects luz	See price →

Adobe PremierePro

If you want professional video editing features and a familiar nonlinear editing interface, Adobe Premiere Pro is arguably the best video editing software, especially if you're using a PC or Mac.

(though not clearlyimprovethan Final Cut Pro in terms of features and performance, FCP is not available for Windows users, which eliminates a large part of the video editing market).

Adobe PremiereProIt is an industry standard tool., used for everything from 4K YouTube videos toHollywood movies.

The interface is clean and fairly intuitive (although if you've never edited video before, there will be a learning curve with any video editing software).

One thing we really appreciate is the flexibility of the interface: you can undock windows, drag them, float panels wherever you want... All this means you can create a custom workspace to suit your style and editing needs.

For video editing itself, Premiere Pro is one of the most powerful applications out there, but you need apowerful calculatorto get the best out of it, especially if you're editing multiple tracks at once, but a common solution is to use proxies.

Editing of clips inPremiere ProIt's simple and precise and can be done while playing the game. Multi-camera editing supports an unlimited number of angles, and automatic syncing makes importing and managing them a breeze.

The tools for syncing and editing audio are equally impressive. For example, the one-click ability to automatically reduce music or ambient noise when dialogue is taking place saves you a lot of time.

In terms of capture, the control over color is incredible. As you'd expect from the company that developed Photoshop, the lighting and color correction tools are well balanced and far more powerful than most video editing programs.

There is also a stable core ofgreat transitions and effectsthis gives any video a polished and professional look.

The latest updates to Premiere Pro include some additional features like smart cropping, automatic subtitling,video scaling, AI-controlled color matching, and Adobe Stock integration: dragging assets onto your timeline has never been easier.

Another positive aspect is that it works perfectly with other Adobe applications such as Photoshop,aftermathand listen. So if you're a Creative Cloud user, it's a perfect fit for your editing workflow.

Of course, this level of software comes at a cost, and if you don't already have All AppsPlano de Creative Cloud, you need to buy one or pay a monthly subscription for the standalone version of Premiere Pro.

However, if you edit videos regularly, it's not hard to justify the cost. You will probably use any other Adobe application andgraphic design softwareeventually too.

With support for Windows and Mac on desktop and mobile, Premiere Pro is for everyone from social media content creators to feature film editors.

• Adobe Premiere x Final Cut
• Adobe Premiere Pro Review
• Adobe Premiere Elements Review

Cyberlink PowerDirector 365

In many ways, PowerDirector 365 comes close to and even competes with Adobe Premiere Pro.

The first and most obvious similarity is the pricing structure: a yearly or monthly subscription model gives you access to the software itself and a host of regular updates and additional features.

Subscriptions aren't popular with consumers for obvious reasons, but they often help fund more regular (and larger) updates throughout the year than standalone software purchases.

PowerDirector 365 is another great video editing software if you want incredible flexibility and professional results while maintaining great ease of use.

Let's goPowerDirector, you can use millions of royalty-free assets available from Getty iStock and ShutterStock, including videos, images, and audio tracks, to bring your videos to life.

There's also a huge library of ready-to-use transitions and easy-to-apply visual effects, that's part of it.Director of photography, Cyberlink's software for photographers that is also impressive when it comes to effects.

The color grading tools included with PowerDirector 365 are extensive, though not Adobe-level.

One area where it excels is performance. CyberLink has done a great job of increasing performance through 64-bit optimizations, graphics hardware acceleration, OpenCL support, and a proprietary rendering technology called Smart SVRT (Smart Video Rendering Technology).

Thanks to all that, it's definitely one of the best video editing software options if rendering speed is a priority.

With a variety of tools and powerful versions for both Mac and Windows, CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is definitely the best choice for enthusiasts and budding professionals alike.

Wondershare Filmora

Sitting at the crossroads of affordability and performance is this gem of a program from Wondershare that is growing in popularity among YouTube creators.

Filmora is available for around $80, earning us our tag as the best video editing software for users on a budget.

One thing we love about Filmora is its clean and attractive user interface. It's much less intimidating than the complex-looking interfaces of more professional programs, making it perfect for beginners.

Additionally, Wondershare offers numerous comprehensive and helpful video tutorials and guides, most of which can be found online with a quick Google search.

In terms of features, Filmora covers all the essentials you'd expect from a video editor: features like cropping, rotating, color correction, color blending, and green screen are all present.

There is also a very decent library of transitions and effects, some of which you have probably seen from your favorite YouTubers – it is considered the best vlog editing software for its ease of use.

FilmoraFeatures can be applied simply by dragging and dropping, removing complexity and making the learning barrier much lower in creating professional-looking videos.

The only downside is that the tools aren't as fine-tuned and you can't do complex editing at the level of programs like Premiere Pro or PowerDirector 365.

It also requires a lot of RAM (16+ GB recommended), especially when editing multiple clips on a timeline. Lowering the playback quality helps a bit, but we still experienced lag on the newer Macbook Air M1.

However, if you're looking for a basic video editor that's easy to use and doesn't break the bank too much, Filmora is definitely an option to try.

• Filmora Review

Final Cut Pro de Apple

The best video editing software for you may depend on the environment you are used to working in. If you are a Mac OS user and want professional level video editing, Apple Final Cut Pro is definitely the choice of professionals.

At around $299, this video editing software isn't the cheapest. Keep in mind, however, that this is a one-time cost that gives you access to all updates without a subscription, unlike, say, Premiere Pro.

That's why we picked it as the best premium video editing software you can buy right now.

Final Cut Pro's interface is as sleek as you'd expect from an Apple product, and it's simple enough to satisfy prosumer-level users while retaining all the professional features you want.

The newest oneUpdatedelivers huge leaps in 8K video performance by taking full advantage of the powerful new Apple Silicon M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. (Even if you have an Intel-based Mac, performance is still decent.)

The layout is quite customizable in Final Cut Pro, but unlike Premiere Pro, you can't completely undock the panels so they float freely.

A unique element of Apple's video editing software is the trackless magnetic timeline:

Unlike traditional track-based editing, where everything is constrained by location and time, Final Cut Pro's magnetic timeline opens up the ability to focus on the story and how different elements fit within it.

It's also a huge time saver once you get the hang of it.

Part of the complexity of video editing is managing all your assets, but Final Cut Pro makes it more efficient with its powerful organization tools.

Organize your work in libraries, apply custom ratings and keywords, and use dynamically organized Smart Collections to quickly find any shot, which is really useful for B-roll footage.

Another great feature is 360-degree video editing. This video software features VR headset support, real 360 titles, and Apple's 360° patch, which lets you clone your camera rig for seamless, immersive footage.

When editing videos shot in Cinema mode on the new iPhone 13 in Final Cut Pro, you can even change focus points or change the depth of field intensity after your footage is captured!

Then, of course, there are tons of customizable effects, built-in audio editing, intuitive color grading, and overall great performance speeds.

The biggest drawback of Final Cut Pro? You need a Mac (and one with decent specs) to run it. However, it doesn't get any better for Mac users who want to edit up to seven full-resolution 8K ProRes streams.

• Final Cut Pro Review

Adobe Premiere Elements

Not everyone wants complex and professional features. For the consumer market, Adobe offers Premiere Elements, arguably the best video editing software for beginners.

The elements may be cheaper and simpler, but don't be fooled – it still produces some impressive videos thanks to a bunch of great features.

The latest versions ofadobe elementThey rely heavily on automated processes and AI technology from Adobe Sensei, which means that much of the hardest video editing work is done by you.

There's also a suite of more than two dozen Guided Edits, so you can follow through to create simple time-lapse videos, double exposures, animated overlays, and more.

For more creative freedom and flexibility, simply switch from Guided Mode to Expert Mode for full manual control.

Adobe Premiere Elements is the kind of video editing software designed for creating shareable videos: You have a lot of control over your output files, and you can upload them directly to apps like Facebook and YouTube.

(You can do this with the other video-editing apps on this list, but Elements makes it easier and easier to use.)

Only two downsides to the software to mention: currently no multi-camera editing, no support for 360-degree and VR editing. Finally, rendering speeds are slow compared to other programs.

However, if you're just getting started in video editing and want an easy way to create eye-catching, shareable videos with amazing video effects, Adobe Premiere Elements is a great option at a great price - check out the complete guide.Adobe Elements ReviewLearn more.

davinci resolution

BlackMagic Design's video editing software is considered the best post-production solution in Hollywood.

And there's good news: if you want to learn how to use the same tools Hollywood performers use, you can do it for free. There is a completely free version of DaVinci Resolve!

Of course, the free version has its limitations, and if you buy the full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio you get the full professional-level editing experience, but it's nice to get an idea of ​​what all the fuss is about.

DaVinci Resolve has a well-designed user interface that is divided into several different "pages" - each page provides a dedicated workspace for a specific task.

This includes Media, Editing, Blending, Color, Fairlight, and Delivery.

Each of these areas includes a variety of powerful professional tools. For example, the Fairlight site offers some awesome built-in audio editing. Work with up to 2,000 tracks simultaneously with real-time effects, EQ, and dynamics processing.

There's also built-in motion graphics editing via the Fusion side, keeping all your professional post-production tasks in one program.

DaVinci Resolve is really aimed at the professional market, so whether it's the best video editing software for you depends on your needs.

It is currently the only post-production software that allows a whole team of editors to work on the same project at the same time. You can even buy special Resolve keyboards and other accessories.

If you're looking for Hollywood-level video editing capabilities in a collaborative environment perfect for team projects, DaVinci Resolve is for you. Just remember that you'll need powerful hardware to run it and some time to work through the learning curve.

• Which is easier, DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro?

Digiarty VideoProc

Every video editor has its reputation, and Digiarty VideoProc wins in processing speed.

Full GPU acceleration capability is a key selling point. It enables lightning-fast rendering, as well as smooth, smooth 4K/8K video editing and transcoding, all without compromising quality.

It is also number one in the world when it comes to compression.

Digiarty's VideoProc video editor can compress a large video by up to 90%, and you'd still have to zoom in to the pixel level to see the difference.

The downside to all of this is that VideoProc is primarily a media converter - the video editing tools were developed after the fact. Of course, if you want to enhance your video clips, you can do it right in the program.

Available features include cropping, cropping, rotating, merging, and adding subtitles to footage. There's also a library of preset visual effects that are quick and easy to apply.

It might be a bit more specialized, but if you're looking for the best video editing software for processing speed, VideoProc is worth a look.

Movavi-Videoeditor

Life after the pandemic has opened up a new use case for video production, and Movavi is leveraging it to differentiate itself in the competitive market for video editing software.

Although the company has been around since 2004, Movavi now touts its software as "an all-in-one video maker perfect for remote work and distance learning."

Whether you're a student working on a fun video project or an employee preparing a presentation for colleagues, Movavi has the features and ease of use to cover you.

One of Movavi's biggest advantages is its non-intimidating user interface. The company's mission has always been to make video editing and media distribution as accessible as possible, and the interface is an expression of that.

You also get a lot for the price you pay, with a one-time upfront cost and no subscription, making it a great choice for students or people on a tight budget.

It might not be the best video editing software in terms of advanced features – it lacks some tweaks from higher-tier apps, as well as not supporting multi-camera, 360-degree, VR and 3D editing – but that might not be it. a deal breaker, especially for beginners.

If you are looking for video editing software that offers a good compromise between features and price, and an intuitive user interface is a top priority, then you should check it out. It is available for Mac and PC.

Corel Video Studio Ultimate

Mac users lose out here, but PC users can take advantage of this affordable video editing software to produce high-quality videos at home.

One advantage of Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is that it has relatively low system requirements to run. So if you're using a dusty old Windows 7 machine, you still shouldn't have too much trouble doing all the video editing basics.

This consumer video editing software may not meet the needs of high-end professionals, but it still offers plenty of features.

All the basic editing features are there to start with, as well as screen recording, 360-degree video support, and multi-camera editing.

Then there are advanced editing features like color correction and video masking, as well as over 2,000 customizable filters and a variety of video effects.

The latest version ofultimate video studioincludes enhanced video stabilization that makes it easy to turn shaky action sequences into smooth, usable video content.

We also found that the latest version offers much better performance and stability than previous versions, which is a huge plus for the software.

Finally, as is now common with video editing software, you can export your projects to various video formats or share them directly to YouTube or Vimeo.

All in all, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate may not have the sophistication of the best video editing software solutions out there, but it is a high-performance, easy-to-use option. One of the biggest downsides is that there is no version for Mac users.

Apple iMovie

If your criteria for the best video editing software is "something easy to use and totally free," Apple iMovie might just convince you.

Mac beginners can create beautiful videos in minutes with the included iMovie templates, and it's easy to import video clips from all your Apple devices.

iMovie's interface is clean and easy to use, and the dozen or so cinematic video filters are easy to apply.

Filters let you automatically give your footage a nostalgic look from the Old West, a comic book, and a silent movie.

You also get great templates for creating Hollywood-style movie trailers. Just know that these templates are used by thousands of other Mac owners online, so don't expect them to be unique in any way!

Also, iMovie is great for creating simple clips and brushing up your video editing teeth if you're a beginner, but you'll probably get over it quickly... and the move to Final Cut Pro X is a big one!

Meanwhile, Mac users can get a lot out of this excellent video-editing tool: iMovie has been a favorite of Apple users for years, and it's easy to see why.

How to choose the best video editing software

Here is a selection of features to consider when choosing one of the recommended video editing software.

Based on your needs and experience level, we've ranked the features according to their relevance to basic or advanced video editors.

essential properties

• user interface

Most video editing software is overwhelming when you first sit down and look at it. That's just par for the course: video editing is inherently a complex process.

However, not all video editing software is created equal when it comes to ease of use. Choosing one with an intuitive interface can make all the difference in how you get through the learning curve, especially if you're a beginner.

Note that the simplicity of the interface tends to match the simplicity of the tool. If you want tight control over every aspect of your video, and want to tweak your edits in the most personalized way, there's no getting around it: you need to use a more complex (and overwhelming) interface.

So it's up to you to find the right balance based on your level of experience. Suffice to say, if you're new to video editing, opting for a simpler and more intuitive interface would be a smart move.

• Supported file formats

Not all video editors support all file formats. Therefore, before choosing a program, make sure that it can accept the input you need.

High-end programs like Adobe's Premiere Pro support all different video formats, including 8K, 360-degree, and VR recording. With other programs, the input options are more limited.

If you are not sure, check what type of video files your devices produce as this will immediately help you find the best video editing software for you.

• System Requirements

Do you have a high-end computer with lots of RAM, high-speed SSD storage, and the latest version of the operating system? If so, good for you - you can run almost any video editing program with ease.

If your machine is a bit outdated, don't worry - there are still plenty of options available to you. It just means you have to be more careful which one you choose.

All video editors have different system requirements, so make sure you meet them before purchasing. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with software that works poorly (or doesn't work at all).

• Basic editing tools

The tools you need to edit videos depend on the type of project you are creating.

For example, if you create simple YouTube videos, your needs may not go beyond cropping, trimming, adding background music, and applying simple video transitions (like fade and darken).

If that's what you need, all of the video editors on this list have you covered, though some are overkill.

So a good question to ask yourself is: "What do I want to achieve?" and, from there, review what resources you will need to do it. You may be able to start with a free program until you decide to expand your video editing skills.

Inexpensive video editing software usually offers the basic tools, but you have to pay to access more complex editing features.

• capital assets

A stock asset library is a useful thing for video editing. Many apps offer royalty-free images, audio, and footage that you can use to create and take your personal and even professional projects to the next level.

While these features are sold separately (StoryBlocks is a nice feature), having them integrated into your video editor makes life easier and gives you access to media you might otherwise have to pay more for.

advanced features

For more advanced or professional video projects, check out some of these additional resources:

• Multi-camera editing

Want to upload footage from multiple devices so you can crop different angles of the same scene? In this case, you need multicam support.

Consider the number of angles you are likely to want to use - each software has different limits on how many it can support.

For example, Premiere Pro has full support, while some programs don't support multiple cameras.

• motion tracking

Motion tracking is an advanced feature with many useful uses. For example, use it to stabilize images, blur faces, or fix text captions on moving objects.

Motion tracking tools used to be the domain of professional special effects software, but today many programs make them available even for beginners. You see this at work on social media platforms, where text, stickers, and emojis "stick" and follow people or objects.

There are different types of motion tracking tools that range in complexity from single point to multi point or 3D tracking. If complex motion tracking is required, then you should invest in higher quality video editing software.

• advanced color tools

Tools like color correction, color adjustment, and color correction add an extra layer of control to video editing. It is important that professionals can adjust these settings to get the exact look you are looking for.

Enthusiasts may not need the same level of control, but these tools allow you to change the look and mood of a video in more subtle ways.

• 360 degree support

Not everyone needs 360 support, but if you shoot spherical images (for example, from a 360 action camera) you do.

Not all video editors support this and those that make do with different feature sets. So if you like VR or 360-degree videos, check your software support before you buy.

• Other advanced features

Depending on the type of video you want to produce, you can look into a variety of other advanced features. Think things like audio editing, subtitling and speech-to-text, chroma/green screen editing, masking, motion graphics, and special effects.

A good starting point is to make a list of all the features you think you need and narrow it down from there.

What is the best free video editing software?

If you're looking for the best video editing software you can get without spending a dime, you're in luck — there are actually some pretty powerful options out there.

Here are some of the best free video editors to try:

• clipify

clipifyis a free lightweight automatic video editor that works well on all PCs - you don't need the most powerful settings to enjoy it. The simple drag-and-drop workflow and streamlined interface are fun, and all the standard tools are there. As free video editing software, it's a great option, and you can upgrade to one of the paid options for even more features.

• iMovie

Apple's iMovie is a fun mannequin video editor packed with easy-to-apply special effects. While the tools lack a high degree of sophistication, that's to be expected from a completely free video editing program. If you are a Mac user, iMovie is definitely a great cost-effective solution and the best free video editor for iOS.

• Essential PowerDirector

This free video editing app is a stripped down version of Cyberlink's awesome PowerDirector 365. You still get many of the features of the last program, and it's a great way to brush your video editing teeth. The only drawbacks are the limited export options and a subtle but non-removable watermark on the final output.

• davinci resolution

This Hollywood-quality video processing software comes in a completely free version that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's a great choice for high-end enthusiasts - it's powerful, but advanced features come with a learning curve. If you want to take the path to becoming a professional, this is an excellent option.

• HitFilm Express

This free filmmaker deserves a mention for its free VFX toolkit, professional editing tools, and extensive free tutorials. For creatives on a budget, this is another great option for PC and Mac.

• Canva Video Editor

canvasoffers a free video editor that allows you to create and edit videos on any device and across different platforms. Because it's completely online, you can enjoy it no matter what computer system you're using.

Frequently asked questions about video editing tools

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro tend to be the three most popular programs among YouTubers.

What is the easiest video editing software?

There are several video editing programs that are easy to master, but Adobe Premiere Elements is definitely one of the easiest. It offers a variety of AI-powered tools that make video editing simple, as well as guided edits that walk you through different processes.

What is the best free video editor for PC?

• DaVinci Resolution 17
• Essential PowerDirector
• HitFilm Express
• shot cut
• open shot
• KdenliveGenericName
• free video editor for windows 10

Does Google have a free video editor?

The Google Photos app has a free built-in video editor. This allows you to perform basic edits like cropping, stabilizing, cropping, and rotating your videos, as well as adding a selection of filters and granular edits.

Is Adobe Premiere Pro free?

There's a seven-day free trial for Adobe Premiere Pro, but beyond that, you have to pay a subscription fee.

last words

We hope this guide has helped you choose the best video editing software for your needs.

Remember that most providers offer a free trial version; if not totally free, there is a simplified version of their software.

So once you've narrowed the playing field, don't be afraid to download and try a few apps to make sure you find the right one before you buy.

Do you have any other questions? Need help deciding? Leave us a comment and we will do our best to help you!

We'd also love to hear about your experiences with video editing software and your tips and recommendations, so join the discussion below.